Gateron CAP Anniversary vs. Outemu Cream Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink both stand out as popular options for users seeking a linear switch experience. The Gateron CAP Anniversary is celebrated for its innovative CAP structure, which delivers exceptionally smooth keystrokes due to its aerodynamic stem design with tiny holes that reduce resistance. With stability and minimal wobble, the CAP Anniversary switch offers a 'Snappy', 'Creamy', and 'Polished' typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink lacks specific standout features but still provides a linear switch option for those seeking a straightforward typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 20mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink switches offer distinct qualities. The CAP Anniversary features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This material is especially beneficial for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. In contrast, the Cream Pink utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the deep and full sound profile experienced while typing on these switches. The absorbent nature of nylon helps create a more muffled and rounded sound compared to stiffer plastics. While the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel, the choice of housing material can significantly impact the typing experience. With the CAP Anniversary and Cream Pink switches, users can expect a unique sound profile based on the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings, respectively.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the CAP Anniversary offers a crisp and resonant typing experience, particularly suited for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Cream Pink provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to users seeking a more muffled and rounder typing feel. Whether you prioritize a higher-pitched sound or a fuller sound profile, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 50 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback when using either of these switches. In terms of weight, both switches are considered medium-heavy, providing a balance between a light typing feel for prolonged use and a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to other factors such as overall build quality, sound profile, and personal preference in terms of aesthetics.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feeling and feedback when using either switch. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can choose between the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink based on other factors such as actuation force, smoothness, and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CAP Anniversary has an MSRP of $4.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CAP Anniversary for $4.10.
The Outemu Cream Pink comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the CAP Anniversary linear switch is known for its quiet and smooth actuation, producing a subtle and satisfying sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch is also praised for its relatively quiet operation, providing a soft and pleasant typing experience. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by the keyboard housing and keycap material, making it essential to consider these factors for a customized sound profile.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch is characterized as having a snappy and precise feel, offering a responsive typing experience that feels lively and engaging. The Cream Pink linear switch from Outemu, on the other hand, is described as creamy and smooth, providing a buttery sensation with each keypress. Both switches are designed to minimize wobble and ensure stability, enhancing the overall tactile feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Gateron CAP Anniversary and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the CAP Anniversary excels in providing a smooth and stable typing experience with a focus on responsiveness, the Cream Pink stands out for its creamy and polished feel that promotes silky keystrokes. Depending on the desired sound profile and tactile preference, users can achieve similar results with either switch through careful selection of accompanying components such as keycaps and keyboard housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches boils down to personal preference and the specific typing experience the user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CAP Anniversary linear switch and the Outemu Cream Pink linear switch, you should choose the CAP Anniversary if you value a unique CAP structure that provides exceptionally smooth keystrokes and enhances overall stability during typing. The CAP Anniversary is also known for its snappy feel, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a creamy, buttery typing experience, the Outemu Cream Pink may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for smoothness, responsiveness, and overall typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
